Mansfield University students got to meet new four-legged friends and relieve some stress when "Canine Comfort" comes to campus on Thursday on the Student Mall.

The event was sponsored by MU Student Life and Animal Care Sanctuary and was a chance for students and the entire campus to spend time with crowd-approved shelter and rescue dogs from ACS.

"We understand the potential inner struggle of leaving family pet(s) and get moved in to living spaces during the first couple weeks at college," Wendy Reber, Wellsboro director for Animal Care Sanctuary, said. "Student Life and (Animal Care Sanctuary) thought our shelter animals would be the perfect vehicle to 'take the edge off' some of the homesick freshmen."

S. Tier Industries honors worker

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Dianna Winnie was one of 13 individuals from the Central New York region awarded with the William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award.

Winnie, who is served by Chemung ARC, works as a custodian at Southern Tier Industries, according to ARC. She was recognized along with 59 others across the state during the New York State Industries for the Disabled annual people-centered awards program.

"Diana is an outstanding member of our STI mobile work crew," Lori Kain, Southern Tier Industries director, stated. "She appreciates working as part of a team and loves the independence she receives in order to complete the tasks of her job out in the community at various job sites."

New York State Industries for the Disabled is a not-for-profit business that administers Preferred Source contracts for products and services in support of state and local government procurement budgets. Its mission is "Turning business opportunities into jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities."

"For 40 years, NYSID has been turning business opportunities into jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities, and we are proud to recognize this year's 59 Joslin Outstanding Performers," Ron Romano, president and CEO, stated. "They provide incredible examples of how much New York State benefits by having a workforce that is inclusive of persons with disabilities, particularly as NYSID celebrates '40 Years of Looking Forward' during this upcoming anniversary year."

New York State Industries for the Disabled's annual Joslin Awards Program celebrates excellence in Preferred Source employment by New Yorkers with disabilities. All Outstanding Performers receive a certificate of achievement and cash award and are featured in an annual yearbook. For more information on the Joslin Awards, including videos of previous award recipients, visit online at nysid.org/joslin.cfm.

Bikers ride to benefit children

Motorcycle enthusiasts gathered recently for the 2014 Christmas Kids ride at Southern Tier Harley-Davidson dealership in Corning where they raised $6,000 for Toys for Tots to benefit local children.

"The community has long supported us and it's our pleasure and honor to do the same for those helping so many needy children in our area. There are a lot of great people in our Harley Ownership Group who love to ride so to be able to do something you love and help kids is truly special," Larry Brooks, partner at Southern Tier Harley-Davidson, stated in a news release about the event.

Bikers rode to Tioga Downs Casino & Racing in Nichols where they received food vouchers and $5 of free game play. Proceeds from the event went to Toys for Tots, an organization that provides gifts to less fortunate children during the holiday season.

"We have great customers and operate in great communities. We all need to be there to help each other and children have always had a special place in my heart. The Toys for Tots organization assists so many so they can enjoy some of the luxuries we all take for granted. We look forward to many more great fundraisers for great organizations here in the Southern Tier and beyond," Jeff Coghlan, partner in Southern Tier Harley-Davidson, stated.

For more information about Southern Tier Harley-Davidson, visit online at sthd.com.

William Ransom award fund started

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A Community Service Award fund was recently established in memory of Valley businessman William "Bill" Ransom III.

Ransom, who died July 10 after a bout with cancer, was committed to making his community a stronger place to live, work and enjoy life, according to the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, which will administer the award.

Ransom served on multiple boards and committees, including Sayre Presbyterian Church, Waverly Rotary Club, Tioga State Bank, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Sayre Historical Society and Guthrie Healthcare System.

The recipient of the annual award will be someone who displays particular attributes that are consistent with Ransom's beliefs and his relentless contributions and dedication to the community, according to the foundation.

This fund, made possible by the Waverly Rotary, is in the process of being grown to $12,500, as it will be an endowed fund which will go into perpetuity.

Learn more about the fund by calling (570) 888-4759 or send an email to cftt@stny.rr.com. Tax-deductible donations may be mailed to CFTT, 104 Lockhart St., Sayre PA 18840 or donate online at twintierscf.org/. Just click on the "make a donation" tab and choose William "Bill" Ransom III Community Service Award from the drop down box.

Items for this feature are compiled by Jennifer Kingsley. To share an item, email sgnews@gannett.com. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @SGJenniferK.